Muzzle brake device

ABSTRACT

A muzzle brake device includes a main body having a receiver opening, a discharge opening, a central bore, and a plurality of discharge channels extending outward from the central bore at locations between the receiver opening and the discharge opening. A plurality of raised inlet members are disposed along the central bore and are in communication with the plurality of discharge channels. A separation distance between the channels is complementary to the length of the projectile to which the weapon on which the device is attached, and each of the discharge channels are arranged to emulate the vane of a turbine engine, so as to produce a mechanical force that counteracts the recoil of the weapon to which the device is attached.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No.62/399,994 filed on Sep. 26, 2016, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to muzzle brakes for firearms,and more particularly to a muzzle brake for reducing recoil and reducingmuzzle rise.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background informationrelated to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

One common problem associated with shooting firearms is the tendency forthe firearm to recoil or kick as a result of rapid expansion andpropulsion of gases from the firearm during and after firing. The forcesand torque generated by propellant gas during firing generally push themuzzle back toward the shooter and have a tendency to push the distalend of the muzzle upward, thereby forcing the shooter to adjust andre-aim after every shot.

As such, when firing an automatic or semi-automatic weapon, the recoilphenomenon is compounded, as the muzzle will recoil incrementally witheach shot, causing the barrel to move farther and farther off target.Such a situation thereby makes it extremely difficult for the shooter toengage in highly accurate rapid fire, as may be required in combatsituations.

Although there are known muzzle brakes in the art, each of these devicesare designed and constructed in a “one shape fits all” approach, thatdoes not take full advantage of the energy of the propulsion gasses. Tothis end, these devices may be functional for some types of firearms,but do little to improve the performance of others. The presentinvention, directed to a muzzle brake device differs from theconventional art in a number of aspects. The manner by which will becomemore apparent in the description which follows, particularly when readin conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a muzzle brake device. Oneembodiment of the present invention can include a main body having areceiver opening, a discharge opening, a central bore, and a pluralityof discharge channels extending outward from the central bore atlocations between the receiver opening and the discharge opening.

One embodiment of the present invention can include a plurality ofraised inlet members that are disposed along the central bore and thatare in communication with the plurality of discharge channels.

One embodiment of the present invention can include a separationdistance between the channels that is complementary to a length of aprojectile being fired from the weapon to which the device is attached.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the dischargechannels can be designed to emulate the vane of a turbine engine, so asto produce a mechanical force that counteracts the recoil of the weaponto which the device is attached.

In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the raisedinlet members is designed to produce a mechanical force that counteractsthe upward trajectory of the weapon muzzle to which the device isattached.

This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not toidentify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should beappreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a muzzle brake device, in accordancewith one embodiment that is useful for understanding the inventiveconcepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a distal end view of the muzzle brake device, in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the muzzle brake device, in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the muzzle brake device, in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the muzzle brake device, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the muzzle brake device in operation,in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6B is another perspective view of the muzzle brake device inoperation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6C is another perspective view of the muzzle brake device inoperation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features ofthe invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that theinvention will be better understood from a consideration of thedescription in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailedembodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, itis to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplaryof the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and asa representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriatelydetailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are notintended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandabledescription of the invention.

As described throughout this document, the term “complementary shape,”and “complementary dimension,” shall be used to describe a shape andsize of a component that is identical to, or substantially identical to,the shape and size of another identified component. For example, asubstantially identical dimension may include tolerances of between 0.25mm and 2 mm, for example.

As described herein, the terms “firearm” and “weapon” can be usedinterchangeably to describe any type of device capable of dischargingammunition. Several nonlimiting examples include: handguns, rifles,shotguns, artillery, and cannons, for example Likewise, the term“ammunition” can include any type of projectiles which can be dischargedby a firearm utilizing a propellant. Several nonlimiting examplesinclude shotgun shells, ball bullets, boattail bullets, and sabotrounds, for example.

Through extensive research and development, the inventors of the belowdescribed device have discovered a novel structural arrangement for amuzzle brake device that is capable of sequentially channeling thepropellant gas away from the weapon in a manner that significantlyreduces recoil, reduces the upward motion of the muzzle, does notinterfere with the operation of night vision equipment, or reduce theaccuracy of the weapon.

FIGS. 1-6C illustrate one embodiment of a muzzle brake device 10 thatare useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Ineach of the drawings, identical reference numerals are used for likeelements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake ofclarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individualfigures which are necessary for the description of the respectivefigure. For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,”“right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the device 10 can include an elongated main body11 having a top surface 11 a, a bottom surface 11 b, a proximal end 11c, a distal end 11 d and a pair of opposing sides 11 e and 11 f. Themain body can be constructed from any number of different materials thatare relatively strong and stiff for their weight. In the preferredembodiment, the main body can be constructed from metals suitable foruse in extremely high temperature environments, such as steel, titanium,or alloys thereof; however, other embodiments are contemplated whereindifferent lightweight and heat resistant materials such a ceramic, forexample, may be utilized. Moreover, any number of heat resistantcoatings and secondary materials can be added to, or embedded within theconstruction of the device, in accordance with known manufacturingtechniques.

As described herein, the main body may be formed together from twosubstantially identical top and bottom halves so as to form onecontinuous element, either through manufacturing processes, such aswelding, casting, or molding. Conversely, the main body may also bemanufactured from a singular piece of material that is cast, milled ormachined with the below described components forming identifiablesections thereof.

In either instance, the main body can include a receiver opening 12 thatis disposed along the center portion of the proximal end 11 c. In oneembodiment, a plurality of screw threads 12 a can be positioned withinthe receiver opening 12 and can function to mate with correspondingscrew threads on the muzzle end of a firearm barrel to which the deviceis to be secured. Additionally, a pair of threaded apertures 13 can bepositioned along the proximal end of the main body on opposite sides ofthe opening 12. The threaded apertures can function to receive hardware,such as crush washers or set screws, for example, which can be tightenedonce the main body is secured onto a firearm muzzle. Such a feature canact to reduce the inside diameter of the first opening, so as to allow auser to secure the device onto a firearm muzzle with the outlets of thebelow described channels positioned horizontally during deviceoperation.

In one embodiment, a discharge opening 21 can be disposed along thecenter portion of the distal end 11 d of the main body. Openings 12 and21 can be in open communication with a central bore 25 that is disposedat the center of the main body along the longitudinal axis X thereof,and function to allow a projectile to enter and exit the device 10.

As described herein, the central bore 25 can be constructed to comprisean elongated channel having an inside diameter that is complementary tothe outside diameter of a projectile being fired from the weapon towhich the device 10 is to be secured. In this regard, each brake device10 can be manufactured to be utilized with a particular type/caliberweapon.

As shown in FIGS. 3-5, a plurality of smooth, continuously-shaped curvedchannels 31, 32, 33, 34, and 41, 42, 43, 44 can be disposed along themain body on either side of the central bore 25, in a mirror imagerelationship to each other. Each of the channels including a gas inletsection that is located within the central bore 25, and a gas dischargesection that is located along one side of the main body 11 e or 11 f.

As will be described below, the inventors have discovered a calculationfor maximizing the energy recovery of the rifle using the muzzle brakedevice. To this end, in one preferred embodiment, each of the channelscan include an inlet opening distance D1 that is approximately 87.5% ofthe length of the projectile to be fired, and each channel can beseparated by a distance D2 that is complementary to the length of theprojectile being fired from the weapon to which the device 10 issecured. Such a feature acts to create a valving effect thatsequentially channels a high percentage e.g., 90-100%, of the propellantgas through the channels.

In one embodiment, the distal end of the central bore located adjacentto channels 34 and 44 can include a longer distance D3 than the otherchannel distances D2. In the preferred embodiment, D3 will be between1.5 and 3 times the length of D2, so as to ensure any remainingpropellant gas is scavenged by the distal channels 34 and 44, therebyfurther reducing the amount of propellant gas exiting the dischargeopening 21.

As shown, each of the channels can be formed from a pair of upstandingsidewalls 31 a-31 b, 32 a-32 b, 33 a-33 b, 34 a-34 b; and 41 a-4 b, 42a-42 b, 43 a-43 b, 44 a-44 b, respectively. In one embodiment, themiddle and discharge ends of each of the sidewalls can extend from thetop end of the main body 11 a to the bottom end of the main body 11 b.

As shown best at FIG. 5, the inlet end of each of the sidewall sections31 b-41 b, 32 b-42 b, 33 b-43 b and 34 b-44 b can be tapered, so as togradually reduce in height from the top and bottom ends of the mainbody, so as to form slightly raised tip sections 51-54, respectively,along the center of the central bore 25. Such a feature acting to divertthe propellant gasses towards the channels. Moreover, the dischargeportion of the channels can include angled sections 31 c-34 c and 41c-44 c that extends upward from the bottom surface 11 b at an angle ofapproximately 5°. Such a feature creating a mechanical force pushingdownward that counteracts muzzle rise. Of course, other angles are alsocontemplated.

As is further shown, each of the channels 31-34 and 41-44 can be formedto define an angle with a transverse axis or radius of the main bodyaxis X. To this end, channels 31-34 can include a channel inlet angle ofbetween 270-360 degrees, and a channel discharge angle of between180-270 degrees, relative to the X-axis. Likewise, channels 41-44 caninclude a channel inlet angle of between 0-90 degrees, and a channeldischarge angle of between 90-180 degrees, relative to the X-axis. Suchangles being referred to hereinafter as being “generally opposite” tothe direction of the projectile being fired.

In the preferred embodiment, the discharge angle of channels 31-34 canbe oriented approximately 135° relative to the major axis X, andchannels 41-44 can be oriented approximately 225° relative to the majoraxis X of the body. Such features allows maximum savaging of the gasinto the channels, while reversing the direction of flow of the gasses,thereby converting the energy of the gasses into a forward force.

Although described above with regard to a particular number, shape,orientation and/or angle of individual channels, this is forillustrative purposes only. As such, those of skill in the art willrecognize that other embodiments of the muzzle brake device may beprovided that have a different number, shape, orientation and/or angledchannels.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate one embodiment of the muzzle brake device 10 inoperation. As shown, a projectile 5 can exit the muzzle 1 of a weapon towhich the device 10 is secured, and can travel along the length of thecentral bore 25. As the projectile encounters each set of horizontallyaligned channels 31-41, 32-42, 33-43, 34-44, a valving effect occurs,wherein the propellant gas G is prevented from moving in front of theprojectile, and is sequentially diverted through the channels anddischarged from the brake. As noted above, because each of the channelsare oriented in a generally opposite direction to that of theprojectile, the muzzle brake 10 functions to create a mechanical forcethat pushes the muzzle brake body (and the weapon to which it isattached) forward, thereby significantly reduce the recoil of theweapon.

Moreover, because the middle section of each channel extendsforward/beyond the inlet portion, each channel is able to suck/scavengethe propellant gas G away from the central bore and the projectile beingfired. Next, the curved nature of the channels can direct the gas in agenerally opposite direction, before discharging the same. As such, eachchannel 31-34 and 41-44 functions in a similar manner to the vane of aturbine engine, wherein the high pressure gas formed by the propellantthat is originally traveling in a first direction is routed into theinlet section of each channel, and is then expelled from the dischargesection of each channel in a second direction. Such a feature results inthe device 10 converting a significant majority of the propellant gasinto mechanical energy that counteracts the rearward motion of thefirearm barrel to which the device is attached, thus significantlyreducing the recoil of the weapon.

As noted above, the central bore 25 preferably includes an internaldiameter that is complementary to the projectile 5 being fired, and eachof the channels preferably include a separation distance D that iscomplementary to the length of the projectile 5 being fired. As such,the muzzle brake design effectively prevents the propellant gas G frompassing forward of the projectile 5, and allows the gas to be dischargedby the channels in a sequential manner. Such a feature essentiallycreates a valving effect that sequentially discharges the gas inlessening amounts, wherein G1>G2>G3>G4.

Through extensive research and development, the inventor has discoveredthat sizing the channels of one embodiment of the muzzle brake todischarge the propellant gas at: G1=45%, G2=31%, G3=16%, G4=5%, G5=3%results in the maximum amount of produced mechanical energy tosignificantly reduce the recoil from the weapon. To this end, throughthe use of the above described plurality of channels (e.g., 31-34 and41-44) the gas leaving the bore output (e.g., G5) can be betweenapproximately 0% and 5%. Such a feature representing a significantdeparture from other known muzzle brake devices, as the entire amount ofpropellant gas can be utilized by the muzzle brake 10 to counteractrecoil and muzzle rise.

Bench test comparisons of rifle recoil rates have demonstrated themuzzle brake device can consistently reduce weapon recoil within a90-100% range. For example, in one bench test, a 0.223 rifle was firedmultiple times without the muzzle brake device, and incurred an averagerecoil distance of 4.25 inches. Conversely, when the same rifle wasfired multiple times from the same bench with the muzzle brake device10, the average recoil distance was 0.25 inches. Such an improvementconstituted an average 94% reduction in weapon recoil.

As noted above, it is preferred that during device operation, each ofthe channels 31-34 and 41-44 maintain a planar relationship along ahorizontal axis, so as to not dispense the propellant gas vertically.This is a feature that advantageously prevents the light generated bythe propellant gas from entering the field of view of the weaponoperator, in order to not affect their night vision while firing theweapon.

In one exemplary embodiment, the device 10 can include an overall length(e.g., distance between inlet opening 12 and outlet opening 21) ofapproximately 8.2 inches; a width (e.g., distance between sides 11 e and11 f) of approximately 3.2 inches; an inlet opening distance D1 ofapproximately 0.85 inches, and a separation distance D2 between thechannels of approximately 0.4 inches. Such dimensions being suitable foruse with a .50 caliber firearm, such as a Barrett® .50 Cal rifle, forexample.

Of course, the inventive concepts are not limited to the above describeddimensions, and/or specifications, as many other embodiments are alsocontemplated wherein the muzzle brake 10 may be manufactured to includea greater or lesser number of overall channels, so as to be suitable foruse with weapons capable of firing any type and/or size projectiles. Forexample, another embodiment of the muzzle brake device 10 may bemanufactured with any number of individual channels each having a shapeand size that are suitable for use with field artillery, airbornecannon, and/or battlefield weapons such as the 120 mm smooth bore cannonof an front line tank, for example.

As described herein, one or more elements of the muzzle brake device 10can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment meanssuch as, for example, screws, glue, compression fittings and welds,among others. Moreover, although the above embodiments have beendescribed as including separate individual elements, the inventiveconcepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skillin the art will recognize that one or more individually identifiedelements may be formed together as one or more continuous elements,either through manufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, ormolding, or through the use of a singular piece of material milled ormachined with the aforementioned components forming identifiablesections thereof.

As to a further description of the manner and use of the presentinvention, the same should be apparent from the above description.Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage andoperation will be provided.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof. Likewise, the terms “consisting”shall be used to describe only those components identified. In eachinstance where a device comprises certain elements, it will inherentlyconsist of each of those identified elements as well.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

1. A muzzle brake device for a firearm having a barrel with a muzzleextending along a longitudinal axis, the muzzle brake device comprising:an elongated main body having a proximal end, a distal end, a first sidesection, a second side section that is positioned opposite to the firstside section, and a central bore; a first set of channels that arepositioned within the main body, each of the first set of channelsincluding a gas inlet section that is in communication with the centralbore, and a gas discharge section that is in communication with thefirst side section; and a second set of channels that are positionedwithin the main body, each of the second set of channels including a gasinlet section that is in communication with the central bore, and a gasdischarge section that is in communication with the second side section,wherein the first set of channels and the second set of channels includea mirror image arrangement to each other, relative to the central axis.2. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the first set of channels andthe second set of channels include a continuously curved shape along asingle axis.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein each of the first set ofchannels and the second set of channels define an angle with atransverse axis to a longitudinal axis of the main body.
 4. The deviceof claim 3, wherein the discharge section of each of the first set ofchannels and the second set of channels includes an angled portionextending upward from a bottom end of each channel.
 5. The device ofclaim 1, wherein each of the first set of channels and the second set ofchannels include a shape, dimension and location that is configured toproduce a valving effect for sequentially discharging a propellant gasfrom the muzzle brake.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the dischargesection of each of the first set of channels and the second set ofchannels is oriented at a generally opposite angle to a direction of aprojectile traveling along the central bore.
 7. The device of claim 1,wherein the inlet section of each of the first set of channels isoriented at an angle of between 270 and 360 degrees relative to thelongitudinal axis of the main body.
 8. The device of claim 7, whereinthe discharge section of each of the first set of channels is orientedat an angle of between 180 and 270 degrees relative to the longitudinalaxis of the main body.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the inletsection of each of the second set of channels is oriented at an angle ofbetween 0 and 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the mainbody.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the discharge section of eachof the second set of channels is oriented at an angle of between 90 and180 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the main body.
 11. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein each of the first set of channels and thesecond set of channels include a shape, dimension and location that isconfigured to produce a valving effect for sequentially dischargingbetween 90% and 100% of a propellant gas from the main body at agenerally opposite angle to a direction of a projectile traveling alongthe central bore.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the dischargesection of each of the first set of channels and the second set ofchannels includes an angled portion extending upward from a bottom endof each channel, said angled section being configured to direct thedischarging propellant gas upward to reduce muzzle rise.
 13. The deviceof claim 11, wherein the central bore comprises an internal diameterthat is complementary to a diameter of the projectile.
 14. The device ofclaim 13, wherein each of the first set of channels and the second setof channels are separated by a first distance.
 15. The device of claim14, wherein the first distance is complementary to a length of theprojectile.